'He was going to ask him soon': Matthew Perry wanted Zac Efron to play him in biopic, reveals friend

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Matthew Perry wanted to do a biopic on himself with Zac Efron playing his younger self.

The two stars have worked together for their 2009 movie ‘17 Again’.

Matthew Perry ‘wanted to make a movie about his life’

Entertainment reporter Athenna Crosby, who reportedly had dinner with Perry just a day before his death, told People that he “wanted to make a movie about his life and have a biopic made.”

The 25-year-old model shared that the late actor “wanted Zac Efron, who's played him already to play him again because he said he did such a good job.”

"He (Matthew Perry) said that he wanted to make a movie about his life, and he had worked with Zac Efron in the past on a movie, and he said that he wanted Zac Efron to play him as a younger version (of himself) and that he was going to ask him soon to do that,” the model told Entertainment Tonight. 

She added that the late actor was simply looking forward to sharing more about his story and his addiction recovery and really advocating for that cause to help other people. Athena mentioned that Matthew was “optimistic and happy about everything that he wanted to do.”

Matthew Perry's addiction issues

The ‘Friends’ alum died on October 28 after years of struggle with addiction.

Following his death, his family said, “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend.”

They added, “You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”

'Friends' cast 'utterly devastated' by Perry's death

Perry’s ‘Friends’ co-stars also issued a heartwrenching statement, which read, “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.”

“There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss,” they noted.

“In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world,” the statement noted.

‘Matty wanted to make you laugh’

Thomas Lennon, who worked with Perry in ‘The Odd Couple’, shared a devastating tribute remembering him.

Calling him ‘a cartoon mascot’, Lennon said, as reported by Variety, “Matty lived messy. Matty had huge feelings and was not afraid to make you a part of those feelings. A comedy sword-swallower using real swords. The swords hurt.”

The 53-year-old actor continued, “Heartthrob with a racing heart. Playwright. Accidental superstar. Matty had a lot of pain. He wore it on his sleeve,” before adding, “Matty didn’t want to be alone. Matty wanted to make you laugh even if swallowing the swords hurt.”